Radiation Pericarditis

Radiation pericarditis is pericardial injury following mediastinal radiotherapy (for breast/lung/Hodgkin lymphoma), presenting with acute pericarditis, chronic pericardial effusion, or constrictive pericarditis months to years later. Treatment: NSAIDs/colchicine for acute; pericardiocentesis for large effusion/tamponade; treat heart failure; pericardiectomy for radiation-induced constrictive pericarditis (higher operative risk). Monitor for associated myocardial/coronary injury.

Common Symptoms

Chest pain/effusion/right-heart failure; history of chest radiotherapy; effusion/constriction

Causes and Pathogenesis

Radiation damages pericardium, causing inflammation, effusion, and fibrosis/constriction.

Treatment

NSAIDs/colchicine; pericardiocentesis for effusion; pericardiectomy for constriction; monitor cardiac injury

Preventive Measures

Limit cardiac radiation dose; long-term cardiac follow-up.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Cardiology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.